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THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY,  | 

Princeton,  N.  J.    fc^S 

Bequeathed  by  the  Hon.  E.  BOUDINOT,  LL.D.     ;^f 


I  Vils(\    Division. i'jl 


.>  S/H'ff,  Section, _^j_ 

V        Booh,  ,, 


■/X 


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Vol.3 


A  V 


feXTRACtS 


fHOM  THK 


BI  I  N  U  T  E  S 


STNOD 


or 

^new-yor;e:  and  new-jersey. 


A,  D.  1311. 


^y///'/ 


ELIZABETTI-TOIVN,  K  J. 
I'rinted  by  Shepard  Kollock,  oppositii  the  Academf/. 


\ 


The  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Miller,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Joftx 
B.  RoMEYN,  with  the  Stated  Clerk,  the  Rev.  JoH^^  iVI'Dow- 
ELL  were  appointed  a  Committee  to  select  and  have  printed 
such  extracts  from  the  Minutes  of  the  present  sessions  of 
Synod,  as  they  may  think  proper. 

Resolved,  That  five  hundred  copies  be  printed  and 
distributed  t^  the  different  Presbyteries  in  the  ratio  of  their 
numbers. 


EXTRACTS 

FROM  THE 

MINUTES 

OF  THE 

SYNOJ)  OF  NEW-YORK  and  NEW-JERSEY. 
New-York,  October  15,  1811,  3  o'clock.  P.  M. 


THE  Synod  met  agreeably  to  adjournment,  gind  in 
the  absence  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  the  Moderator, 
was  opened  with  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Robert  Finley, 
from  1  Timothy,  i.  12, 
Began  with  prayer. 

PRESENT, 

Fro7n  the  Presbytery  of  Long-Island ; 

MINISTERS, 

Rev.  William  Schenck,        Rev.  Lathrop  ThompsQp,* 
Aaron  Woolworth,  D.  D.    Jonathan  Huntting^, 
Zvachariah  Greene,  Nathaniel  S.  Prime  j  ' 

ELDERS, 

]\Ir.  Ezra  Conkling,  from  Huntington, 
George  Lee,  from  Brookhaven.. 

From  the  Presbytery  of  Hudson  ; 

MINIETEP.S, 

Rev.  John  Ely,  Rev.  Daniel  Crane, 

Methuselah  Baldwin,  John  Johnston, 

Isaac  Lewis,  Andrew  Thompson, 

John  Clark,  Jlenry  Ford, 

Ebenezer  Grant,  Daniel  C.  Hopkins,* 

Isaac  Van  Doren,  James  I.  OstroHii, 

Charles  Cummins,  Noah  Coe ; 

i;c-  The  members  marked  thus  (*)  tooli:  their  seats  th<^ 
iecond  day  of  the  session"!. 


se 


ELEkEES, 

Mr.  Joshtia  Ward,  from  Pleasant  Valley, 
Daniel  Popino,  from  Florida, 
Daniel  Burtsell,  from  Newburgh, 
Alvan  Purdy,  from  York  ToAvn, 
David  H.  Moffett,  from  Bethlehem, 
Leonard  Smith,  from  Marlborough. 
From  the  Presbytery  of  New-York  ; 

MIKISTERS, 

^ey.  George  Faitoate,         Rev.  Josiah  B.  Andrews,* 
Samuel  Miller,  D.  D.  William  Boardman,* 

Philip  BlUledoler,  D.  D.       Ezra  S.  Ely, 
John  B.  Romeyn,  D.  D.        Gardiner  Spring  ; 

ELDERS, 

Mr.  Robert  I.enox,  from  Wall-st-church,  New- York, 
W^illiam  Ludlow,  fr-om  Jamaica, 
John  Burtis,  from  Hempstead, 
Henry  Rutgers,  from  Rutgers-st.  church,  N.  Y. 
Divie  Bethune,  from  Cedar-st.  church,  N.  Y. 
John  Blills,  from  the  Brick  church,  N.  Y. 
Benjamin  Coe,  fr-om  Newtown, 
Robert  Buchan,  from  Spring-st.  church  N.  Y. 
William  Burtis,  from  Elizabeth-st.  church,  N.  Y. 
From  the  Presbytery  of  Jersey  ; 

MINISTERS, 

Rev.  Azel  Roe,  D.  D.  Rev.  Thomas  Picton, 

Uzal  Ogden,  D.  D.  Timothy  Alden, 

David  Austin,  M.  L.  R.  Perruie, 

Asa  Hillyer,t  Stephen  Thompson, 

Samuel  Whelpley,t  ^^^^^  Riggs,* 

Aaron  Condict,  John  M'Dowell, 

Gershom  William.s,f  Samuel  Fisher, 

James  Richards,|  Barnabas  King, 

Amzi  Armstrong,  Hooper  Gumming ; 
James  G.  Force, 

ELDERS, 

Mr.  Jonathan  Freeman,  from  Woodbridge, 

t  Those  marked  thus  (f)  took  their  seats  the  third  day 
tf  the  sessions. 


sr 

Mr.  Bloses  Condict,  from  Orange, 

Cornelius  Voorhies,  from  Hanover, 
Samuel  Parkhurst,  from  Springfield,* 
Matthew  Freeman,  from  2d  cli.  Woodbridge, 
Stephen  Baldwin,  fr'ora  Newark,* 
Aaron  Burnet,  from  South  Hanover,f 
Isaac  Concklin,  from  Elizabeth- Town, 
Benjamin  Lamson,  from  Rockaway, 
John  L.  Cole,  from  Jersey, 
Robert  Ogden,  fr-om  Hardiston. 
From  the  Presbyter ij  of  Nen-Brunswick  ; 

MINISTERS, 

|lev.  Sam'l  S.  Smith,  D.  D.  Rev.   John  Cornell, 

Joseph  Clark,  D.  D.  Isaac  V.  Brown, 

Cyrus  Gnildersleeve,f  Enoch  Burt, 

John  Boyd,  Joseph  Campbeli> 

David  Barclay,  James  Patterson,^ 

Robert  Finley,  William  C.  Schenck,* 

George  S.  Woodhull,*  Jacob  Kirkpatrick, 

David  Comfortjf  Jacob  Field  ; 

ELDERS, 

Mr.  Jonathan  Morehead,  from  Pennington, 
John  Nielson,  from  New-Brun6^\  ick,  •^ 
John  Connelly,  from  Oxford, 
David  Dunham,  from  Lanihigton,* 
Isaac  Fisher,  fr-om  Bound  Brook,"* 
James  Moore,  from  Princeton,*' 
John  Skilman,  from  Amwell, 
Jonathan  Hill,  fr-om  Flemington.* 
Tlie  Rev.  Arazi  Armstrong  was  chosen  Moderator,  and 
the  Rev.  John  JM'Dowell  and  the  Rev.  John  Johnston, 
were  chosen  Clerks. 

The  Committee  of  overtures  reported  that  they  had 
agreed  to  overture  the  following  questions,  viz. 

Has  the  Moderator  of  a  Presbytery  a  right  agreeably 
to  our  form  of  government,  to  call  a  special  meeting  of 
Presbytery,  witjionl  a  request  from  two  ministers  and  tM'o 
elders,  the  elders  being  of  different  congregations  ? 

The  Synod  took  up  this  question  and  decided  unani- 
mously, that  in  their  opinion  our  Book  of  Government 


and  Discipline  is  explicit  in  its  direction,  ihat  no  iMode- 
rator  of  a  Presbytery  is  empo\verocl  to  call  a  special 
meeting  of  said  Presbytery,  excepting  with  the  concur- 
rence, or  at  the  reque!-t  of  two  ministers  and  two  elders, 
the  elders  being  of  diiTerent  congregation?. 

The  Commiitcc  appointed  to  examine  the  printed  Ex- 
tracts from  the  Minutes  of  the  General  Assembly,  and 
report  what  subjects  may  require  the  attention  of  the 
Synod,  reported,  that  the  overture  sent  by  the  Synod  at 
its  last  sessions  to  the  last  General  Assembly,  relative  to 
correspoiidence  Avilh  foreign  churches,  was  received  and 
act^d  upon  by  the  Assembly,  and  is  noticed  in  the  Ex- 
tracts fi-om  the  fllinutes  -of  their  proGeedings  in  the  foi- 
lo'\ving  words,  viz, 

"  The  Committee  appointed  to  consider  the  overture 
from  the  Synod  of  New- York  and  New-Jersey,  relative 
to  correspondence  with  foreign  churches,  reported  ;  and 
their  report,  being  read,  was  adopted,  aiKl  is  as  follo\rs, 
viz. 

That  they  conceive  the  ol^  jects  of  the  overture  from  ths 
Synod  to  be  of  high  importance.  A  great  crisis  in  the 
state  of  tJie  world,  and  the  prospects  of  the  christian 
church  secRis  at  present  to  exist,  or  to  he  fast  approach- 
ing. It  is  surely  desirable  to  every  lover  of  religion  and 
the  Saviour,  to  extend  his  intercourse  an<l  acquaintance 
as  far  as  possible,  with  every  portion  of  the  Redeemer's 
Mngdom ;  and  thus  to  dra^v  ^the  words  of  mutual  love 
more  closely  together,  and  more  cflertuaily  to  combine 
the  common  efforlf;  of  all  the  disciples  of  our  blepsed 
Lord,  to  promote  the  extension  of  his  grace  and  glory  in 
the  world.  Your  Committee,  however,  learning  with 
pleasure,  that  the  Standing  Committee  of  JMissions  alrea- 
dry  embrace  in  the  objects  of  their  appointment,  and 
are  actually  and  diligently  turning  their  attention  to  a 
great  part  of  those  contemplated  in  the  overture  of  the 
Synod;  bog  leave  to  rcconuncnd  it  to  the  assembly  to 
request  of  that  body,  who  have  hitherto  been  so  active 
and  faitliful,  to  extend  their  care,  A\hich  they  hope  may 
be  done  without  subjecting  them  to  an  oppressive,  addi- 
tional labour,  to  all  the  other  subjects  contained  in  the 


3« 

Avwlure.  YOur  Committee  believe  t]j;it  it  ^vi\t  corrCf* 
poiul  with  the  views  of  the  SynrxJ,  and  of  IJie  Af-scmbly, 
if  the  Committee  of  Mis.sion.s  wilJ  inslilute  in  the  name 
of  this  Assembly,  a  eorreHponrhnre,  in  f-iieli  jnonner  as 
tliey  may  find  to  be  Ijcst  adapted  lor  olilaininfj;  a  clear 
and  satisfactory  kno\\le<j^e  of  the  actual  folate  of  the 
christian  church,  in  the  various  countries  of  the  East, 
North,  and  West,  whether  in  the  eojuminiion  of  the 
Creeks.,  Konian  Catholics,  or  rroleslantf — with  respect 
to  its  doctrines,  worshi[),  present  spirit,  and  inuuediatc 
prospects,  either  secular  or  spiritual,  in  the  respective 
nations.  In  this  corresponrlence,  your  Cojnmiltec  rccoin- 
jnend  tliat  a  free  and  pnrlicular  communication  l)e  mado 
of  the  state  of  tlie  cliurehes  in  the  United  iStales  of  Ame- 
rica ;  and  that  sucli  projjo'^itions  be  mutually  made  and 
received,  as  to  them,  and  the  organs  of  the  foreign 
churches  with  whojn  they  correspond,  may  severally,  be 
deemed  most  useful  for  exeitinu,  promotinq-,  and  direct- 
inij  a  universal  zeal  for  puril'yint;  the  doctrines  of  the 
church,  and  extend inj^  to  all  nations  the  li'-jht  of  the 
Gospel,  and  collect im^  all  natiojis,  when  it  rliali  please  the 
wisdom  of  divine  Providence,  iiitothe  bosom  of  the  kim?- 
dom  of  the  Ikdeemer.  All  wliicli  corn s pond f  nee,  it  is 
recommended,  may  be  submitted  a-nnuaiiy,  or  a.s  often 
as  convenient,  to  the  Gejicral  A?,^embly." 

The  Conmn'ttee  fudher  reported  tliat  the  Extracts 
contain  the  following  order,  viz.  ".Whereas  from  a  va- 
riety of  causes,  the  reports  from  Synods  and  Presbyteries 
to  the  General  Assembly,  are  srunetinjes  not  brought 
forwaj-d  to  tlie  meeting  of  the  Assembly,  and  it  is  of  much 
importance  that  these  reports  should  be  con^plete  ; — the 
General  Assembly  did,  and  hereby  do  reneuedjy  enjoin 
it  on  all  Synods  and  Pre.-ljylcries  uiidcr  their  care,  to 
})e  very  attentive  both  in  seeing  tliat  these  reports  are  ac- 
curately and  seasonably  prtiared,  agrec-ably  to  the  pre- 
scribed forms,  and  in  sending  them  forw  ard  annually  to 
the  Assembly  ;  but  if  by  any  aecideiit  there  be  a  failure 
in  this  respect,  by  any  Synod  or  Presbytery,  such  Syno<l 
or  Presbytery  shall  as  soon  as  the  failure  is  discovered, 
forward  the  deficient  report  by  letter  to  tho  Stated  Clerk 


40 

6f  the  Assembly,  that  its  results  maj'  ])e  ciitered  in  th6 
book  prepared  for  that  purpose,  and  thus  the  design  of 
the  Assembly,  to  obtain  and  preserve  irora  year  to  yeaf 
a  complete  view  of  the  churches,  may  be  accomplished." 

Whereupon,  the  Synod  enjoined  it  upon  Presbyteries 
to  enjoin  it  upon  their  Church  Sessions,  that  if  by  any 
means  they  should  fail  to  bring  up  their  annual  reports 
at  the  stated  sessions,  that  they  send  them  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible afterwards  to  the  Stated  Clerk  of  their  Presbytery. 

Whereas  it  appears  that  in  various  places  within  the 
bounds  of  the  Synod,  the  Sabbath-day  is  awfully  profaned, 
and  that  the  sin  is  gaining  a  still  more  alarming  preval- 
ence ;  the  Synod  considering  it  to  be  their  duty  to  do  whai- 
ever  may  be  in  their  power  to  check  this  growing  iniqui- 
ty ;  therefore,  resolved,  that  Dr.  Smith,  Dr.  Woolworth, 
Mr.  Richards  and  Mr.  Lewis,  ministers ;  and  Mr.  Niel- 
son,  Mr.  Bethune  and  Mr.  Rutgers,  elders,  be  a  commit- 
tee to  devise  measures  that  may  have  an  influence  in  put- 
ting a  stop  to  this  evil,  and  to  report  as  soon  as  conve-' 
nient. 

The  Conmiittee  brought  in  their  report,  Avhich  being 
read  and  amended,  was  adopted  and  is  as  follows,  viz. 

Your  Committee  have  attended  to  the  business  assigned 
them,  and  recommend  to  the  Synod  to  appoint  a  Commit- 
tee of  five  members  residing  in  the  State  of  New- York, 
and  a  Committee  of  five  members  residing  in  the  State  of 
New-Jersey,  to  examine  the  laws  of  those  States  touching 
the  observance  of  the  Sabbath,  and  to  enquire  whether 
any,  and  if  any,  what  alterations  may  be  made,  favora- 
ble to  the  interests  of  religion  ;  and  that  they  be  empow- 
ered to  apply  to  the  Legislatures  to  make  any  alterations 
which  may  be  thought  advisable. 

Your  Committee  also  recommend  to  the  Synod,  to  ad- 
dress a  postoral  letter  to  their  churches  on  the  subject, 
and  take  the  liberty  of  presenting  the  folio Aving,  viz. 

Pastoral  Letter  to  the  Churches  under  the  inspection  of 

the  S/pwd  of  Nen-York  and  New-Jcrssi/. 
Dear  Brethren, 

The  Synod  of  New-York  and  New-Jersey,  convened 


:4i 

in  the  city  of  New- York,  contemplating  with  grief  the 
l^-eat  and  growing  profanation  of  the  Lord's  Day,  feel 
themselves  constrained,  as  your  common  brethren  in  the 
Lord,  to  address  you  on  this  siiljject,  which  is  certainly 
of  the  highest  concern  to  the  interests  of  religion.  The 
institution  of  the  Saljl.ath  lies  deeply  at  the  foundation 
of  the  visible  order  of  the  church  ;  and  its  grave  and  se- 
rious ol)cervance  is  most  closely  connected  with  the  prac- 
tical influence  of  its  ordinances  on  the  hearts  and  lives  of 
the  professors  of  the  gospel.  Hence,  by  the  immediate 
appointment  of  God  himself,  it  is  placed  in  the  front  of 
his  holy  commandments,  as  that  positive  institution  most 
essential  to  the  public  morals  and  virtue,  and  with  them, 
of  the  public  happiness  and  prosperity.  When  the  Sab- 
bath is  neglected,  or  despised  and  perverted  to  the  pur- 
poses of  worldly  business,  or  of  mere  amusement,  the  sa- 
cred ends  of  this  divine  ordinance  are  defeated  ;  and  this 
noblest  device  of  heavenly  Avisdom  for  the  instruction  of 
manldnd,  and  the  edification  of  the  church  in  faith  and 
holiness  must,  in  the  same  degree,  he  rendered  abortive.—' 
The  Synod,  therefore,  h^ve  learned  with  extreme  pain, 
the  too  common  al)u3e  of  this  holy  day  to  unnecessary 
travelling  in  pursuit  of  ordinary  and  sesuhr  concerns,  or 
still  more  unnecessary  recreatioii  and  indulgence  in  plea- 
sure. In  proportion  as  men  accustom  themselves  to  these 
unhallowed  violations  of  holy  time,  they  A^eakcn  the sen- 
timoit  of  every  other  duty  or  restraint  imposed  by  reli- 
gion, till  the  o])ligation  and  tlie  sacred  oflices  of  the  Sab- 
]>ath  become,  at  length,  wholly  neglected,  and  the  day 
itself  is  in  danger  of  being  foi-gotten. 

The  Synod  are  equally  constrained  to  lan^ent  the  un- 
happy and  JncreasiMg  prevalence  of  the  sins  of  intempe- 
rance, profanity,  and  other  open  and  notorious  violations 
of  the  law  of  God,  in  the  midst  of  a  people  calling 
themselves  by  the  name  of  Christ.  With  profound  grief 
they  behold  the  multiplied  injuries  arising  thence  to  the 
souls  of  men,  and  more  especially  to  the  young  and  ris- 
ing generation,  among  whom  they  threaten  the  prostra- 
tion of  morals  and  virtue,  and  the  destruction  of  the 
precious  hopes  of  the  church.  Above  all,  when  intern 
B 


42 

perance  arrives  by  time,  and  the  pernicious  habits  of  in- 
dulgcnce  to  overtake  age,  and  to  l)Iot  the  profession  of 
the  Christian  name,  every  sincere  disciple  of  the  Redeem- 
er has  the  deepest  reason  to  mourn  these  unhappy  exam- 
ples of  the  deceitf ulness  of  sin,  and  the  depravity  of  the 
human  heart. 

Christian  brethren !  In  tlie  afflicting  viev/  of  these  evils 
so  alarming  to  the  chm-ch,  it  becomes  every  disciple  of 
the  blessed  Saviour  earnestly  to  address  the  throne  of 
grace  for  the  more  abundant  effusion  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
to  arrest  the  folly  and  madness  of  the  enemies  of  the 
cross,  or  the  treachery  of  its  false  friends,  and  to  put 
greater  life  and  efficacy  into  his  oAvn  institutions.  It  is 
peculiarly  incumbent  on  every  professor  of  religion  to  be 
circumspect  and  vigilant  over  his  own  conduct,  that  he 
give  no  occasion  to  the  enemy  to  blaspheme,  nor  yield  any 
encouragement,  by  his  example,  to  the  relaxation  of  the 
public  manners. — But  the  Synod  would  further  recom- 
mend that,  in  every  church,  the  servants  of  Christ  should, 
by  mutual  counsel,  strengthen  each  others  hands,  and 
encourage  each  others  hearts  in  all  prudent  measures  to 
repress  these  alarming  evils — to  discountenance  the  bold- 
ness of  sinners,  and  to  aid  the  wholesome  discipline  es- 
tablished in  the  kingdom  of  the  Redeemer. — The  Synod, 
considering  the  various  circumstances  in  which  difl'erent 
portions  of  the  church  are  placed,  would  not  venture  to 
prescribe  any  certain  measures  to  be  pursued  in  these 
pious  but  voluntary  services.  They  would,  however, 
most  earnestly  press  upon  every  Christian,  seriously  to 
weigh  in  his  own  mind  the  state  of  religion,  the  evils  that 
threaten  its  prosperity,  and  the  means  which  may  be  in 
Ills  power  to  repress  or  restrain  them.  And  having,  un- 
der the  influence  of  prayer  to  Almighty  God,  and  with 
the  aid  of  the  Divine  Spirit,  taken  a  serious  and  collected 
view  of  these  interesting  subjects,  whatever  services  he 
can,  individually,  or  in  co-operation  with  his  fellow  Chris- 
tians, wisely,  prudently,  and  charitably  render  for  the 
attainment  of  these  important  ends,  let  him  faithfully 
devote  them  to  the  glory  of  his  Redeemer. — And,  may 
the  great  iiead  ol  UiC  Chui-ch  so  animate  your  faith,  and 


43 

direct  your  hearts  that  all  your  endeavours  shall  issue  to 
the  glory  of  his  holy  name,  and  the  interests  of  his  spiritu- 
al kingdom,  which  are  the  interests  of  virtue,  piety,  and 
truth  upon  earth. 

Done  inS^nod,  October  18,  1811. 

AMZl  ARMSTRONG,  Moderator. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Miller,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Philip 
Milledoler,  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  B.  Romeyn,  Col.  Henry 
Rutgers,  and  Benjamin  Coe,  Esq.  ^vere  appointed  the 
Committee  for  the  State  of  Ne^v-York. — And  the  Rev. 
James  Richards,  the  Rev.  Robert  Finley,  the  Rev. 
George  S.  Woodhull,  Peter  Gordon,  Esq.  and  Josepli  C. 
Hornblower,  Esq.  were  appointed  the  Committee  for  the 
State  of  New-Jersey. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  draw  up  a  summary 
statement  of  the  result  of  the  free  conversation  on  the 
state  of  religion,  brought  in  their  report,  which  being 
read  and  amended,  ^^as  adopted  and  is  as  follows,  viz. 

The  statement  on  the  subject  of  religion,  given  by  the 
members  of  Synod  at  their  present  sessions,  affords  such 
a  variety  and  number  of  particulars,  that  it  is  thought  pro- 
per first  to  detail  the  existing  situation  of  each  Presbytery, 
and  then  exhibit  a  combined  view  of  the  whole. — From 
the  Presbytery  of  Long-Island  the  Synod  are  rejoiced  to 
learn,  that  although  no  general  revivals  have  taken  place, 
yet  the  precious  fruits  of  former  visitations  of  the  Spirit 
still  exist  among  them — that  few  cases  of  discipline  have 
occurred,  and  few  apostacies  have  been  observed — that 
praying  Societies,  meetings  for  catechetical  instruction,  and 
the  stated  worship  of  tiie  sanctuary,  have  Ijeen  numerous- 
ly and  solemnly  attended — and  that  the  observance  of 
sound  doctrine,  strict  discipline,  and  of  the  Sabbath  day, 
seems  in  most  congregations  to  increase.  Instances  of  de» 
termined  opposition  have  however  appeared  from  unsound 
sectaries  and  deluded  unbeliever? ;  but  their  success  has 
been  small  and  their  oppositiori  has  decreased. — The 
Synod  remark  with  much  satisfaction,  that  female  socie- 
ties for  prayer  have  been  instituted,  and  exertions  are 
made  by  this  and  other  Frefbyteries  for  supplying  drstU 


44. 

lute  portions  of  country  around  them,  not  only  with  ths 
preaching  of  the  Gospel,  but  also  witli  fainily  visitation 
and  personal  instruction. 

In  the  Presbytery  of  Hudson,  the  Lord  is  manifestly 
pouring  out  hi^;  spirit  upon  some  of  tlie  Churches. — In  a 
few  instances,  small  revivals  have  commenced  shice  the 
last  meeting-  of  Synod.  Sojne  of  the  recently  formed  con- 
gi'egations  in  the  county  of  Sullivan,  hare  lieen  thus  visit- 
ed; and  within  afew  ^\  eeks,  a  very  special  and  solemn  aAva- 
keninghas  taken  place  in  the  Congregation  of  New-Marl- 
borough,  in  the  county  of  Ulster,  and  seems  to  have 
been  preceded,  and  is  now  acc.:>mpanied  by  a  peculiar 
earnestness  among  professors  in  the  great  duty  of  prayer. 

In  other  congregations,  there  is  a  melancholy  declen- 
6i®n  in  the  Sjnrit  of  piety,  and  a  prevalence  of  vice,  ex- 
hibited especiaiiy  in  daring  profanations  of  the  holy  Sab- 
bath. The  S}iiod  arc  however  gratilied  in  remarking, 
that  in  this  Presbytery  generally,  the  institutions  of  the 
Sabbath,  stated  and  occasional  assemblies  for  prayer, 
catechetical  instruction,  and  the  preaching  of  the  A\'ord, 
are  observed  more  universally  and  seriousFy  than  in  for- 
mer years.  Bible  and  Tract  Societies  liave  been  insti- 
tuted, and  ministerial  exertions  in  a  missionary  form, 
have  issued  in  the  formation  of  a  number  of  new  congre- 
gations, which  are  groA\'ing  in  Christian  knowledge,  piety, 
and  order. 

The  Presl)ytery  of  New- York  has  not  been  favored 
within  the  year,  A\ith  any  thing  which  may  be  denomi- 
nated a  general  out  pouring  of  the  Spirit  upon  any  of 
their  churches ;  yet  the  attention  of  the  people  to  the 
stated  worship  and  ordinances  of  tbc  Gospel,  to  the  in- 
struction of  youth,  and  to  church  discipline,  continues  on 
the  Avhole  to  grow  ;  and  very  pleasing  additions  have 
been  made  to  the  number  of  religious  societies  under  their 
care,  and  of  menibers  to  their  churches. 

TLe  Presbyteries  of  Jersey  and  New-Brunswick  are  very 
similar  as  to  the  appearance  of  their  relig  ious  state.  A  few 
instances  of  special  revival  have  occurred  in  each;  but  gCr 
neraily  speaking,  a  state  of  lukewarnmess  and  languor  pre- 
Tails  as  to  the  zealous  and  perseveriiiij  manifestation  of  the 


power  of  religion,  in  the  hearts  and  lives  of  professors.  In 
the  churches  however,  there  has  been  a  regular  observance 
of  all  those  religious  institutions  for  worship  and  instruction 
which  have  been  noticed  with  respect  to  the  other  Presby- 
teries. But  the  Synod  are  exceedingly  pained  to  hear 
from  so  great  a  number  of  the  members  of  these  Presby- 
teries, that  the  disgraceful  and  destructive  sin  of  intem- 
perance in  the  use  of  ardent  spirits,  so  abundantly  prevails, 
and  even  exists  in  some  melancholy  instances  among 
inember3  of  the  visil:)le  church — and  that  the  holy 
Sabbath,  which  wc  are  so  solennily  enjoined  to  sanctify 
by  an  holy  resting  from  worldly  emjiloyraents  and  recre- 
ation, and  Ijy  the  devout  and  constant  A\orship  of  Al- 
mighty God,  is  so  frequently  and  grievously  profaned  by 
the  travelling  of  multitudesof  persons  in  stages,  market- 
"w  aggons  and  pleasure  carriages.  Against  these  enormous 
and  '^i  asting  evils,  the  Synod,  Avith  all  the  earnestness  and 
solemnity  of  Avhich  they  are  capable,  would  raise  their 
warning  voice.  And  the  Synod  do  ardently  pray,  that 
the  King  of  Zion  vv^ould  give  to  our  ministers,  magis- 
trates and  people,  wisdom  to  devise,  and  integrity  and 
firnmess  to  pursue  elTectual  means  for  the  prevention  of 
those  daring  crimes  against  the  la^vs  of  God  and  civil 
society. 

From  this  review  of  the  existing  state  of  religion  with- 
in tlieir  bounds,  the  Synod  think  that  they  have  reason 
to  deplore  the  declining  situation  of  many  ol  their  church- 
es, as  to  enlightened  and  fervent  zeal  in  the  c?use  of  Zion, 
and  the  practice  of  vital  godliness.  And  they  Avould 
humljle  themselves  l^efore  God,  and  deeply  lament  that, 
in  the  bounds  of  many  of  their  congregations,  profane 
s^rearing,  worldly  minded  nesf,  Sabbath  breaking,  andinore 
than  beastly  intemperance,  appear  so  prevalent ;  and  that 
family  worship,  government  and  instruction  are  so  great- 
ly neglected.  But  they  have  notv/ithstanding,  al^undant 
craise  to  adore  and  magnify  the  great  Head  of  the 
Church,  in  that  he  hath  not  taken  his  Spirit  utterly  awa}'-, 
but  hath  manifested  some  precious  tokens  of  liis  love  and 
care.  The  good  li'uits  of  former  revivals  still  remain  in 
?iiany  cliurchc?,  and  appear  ia  the  continuance,  for  tlie 


40 

most  part,  of  societies  for  prayer  and  religious  coinmu» 
Kion  and  Intstruction ;  in  the  rare  instances  of  apostacy 
that  have  taken  place,  and  in  the  general  and  serious  at- 
tention to  the  regular  administration  of  the  Avord  and 
ordinances  of  the  Gospel.  And  although  no  univer- 
sal outpouring  of  the  Spirit  has  been  Avitnessed  in  any  of 
our  congregations,  yet  a  goodly  number  has  been  added 
to  the  professed  household  of  faith.  Some  fcAv  in  each 
Presbytery  have  experienced  aAvakening  and  refreshing 
seasons,  which  merit  a  grateful  remembrance  and  an  ac- 
tive cultivation. 

The  Synod  have  noticed  with  great  pleasure  the  erec^ 
tion  of  Bible  and  Tract  Societies ;  of  a  few  female  associ- 
ations for  prayer  and  benevolent  purposes ;  the  increasing 
attention  of  children  and  youth  in  a  considerable  portion 
of  the  churclics,  to  ca,techetical  instruction ;  and  espe- 
cially have  they  remarked,  that  in  those  Presbyteries 
which  have  missionary  ground  to  occupy  persevering  ex- 
ertions, have  ]>een  made  to  gather  in  the  out  casts  of  the 
house  of  Israel,  and  supply  the  poor  and  destitute  with 
the  M'ord  of  life.  These  labors  have  been  blest  already, 
and  the  Synod  trust  they  will  be  still  more  abundantly 
blest  in  adding  ra<8iy  members  to  our  communion, 
and  several  important  congregations  to  those  now  under 
our  care.  This  review  of  the  past,  should  humble  u«  in  the 
presence  of  Almighty  God,  for  our  own  sins,  for  the  sins 
of  professors,  for  the  crying  abominations  of  our  land, 
that  he  may  exalt  us  in  due  time,  and  deliver  us  from  de- 
served condemnation  and  ruin.  This  review  of  the  past, 
demands  from  us  the  voice  of  prayer  and  praise  to  Jehova 
Jesus  the  Lord,  our  hope,  our  righteousness  and  strength. 
It  demands  that  increasing  faith,  circumspection,  zeal 
and  love  be  testified  by  unceasing  attempts  to  advance 
the  interests  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdoiu,  with  all  our 
time,  and  with  all  our  poAvers.  May  the  language  of 
our  lips,  the  sentiments  of  our  hearts,  and  tlie  actions  of  our 
lives,  ever  correspond  with  this  animating  and  appropri- 
ate declaration  of  the  devout  Psalmist,  "  If  I  forget  thee, 

0  Jerusalem,  may  my  right  hand  forget  her  cunning.    If 

1  uo  not  rememljcr  thee,  let  my  tongue  cleave  to  the  roof  of 
ray  moutTi.  '*'' " '' '   ^  -'salcm  al>ovc  my  chief  joy." 


47 

TIic  Commiltee  appointed  on  the  reference  from  fha 
.Session  of  the  Church  of  Elizabeth-To^vn,  brought  in  a  re- 
port, Avhich  being  read,  amended,  and  maturely  conside- 
red was  adopted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. 

WHEREAS  the  Confession  of  faith  of  our  Church, 
chap.  2oth,  sect.  2d,  and  the  Larger  Catechism,  in  an- 
swer to  the  62d  Question,  declare,  that  the  visil)le  church 
consists  of  all  those  throughout  the  world,  that  profess 

the  true  religion,  together  Mith  their  children  : and 

whereas  the  same  Confession  of  Faith,  chap.  28th,  Sec.  4, 
together  with  the  Larger  Catechism,  inanswerto  the  IGGth 
question,  particularly  defines  the  profession  required,  to 
be  a  profession  of  faith  in  Christ,  and  obedience  to  him  : 
and -Vvhereas  this  faith  is  defined,  mthe  answer  to  the  86th 
question  of  the  Shorter  Catechism,  to  be  a  saving  grace, 
whereby  we  receive  and  rest  upon  Him  alone  for  salvation 
as  he  is  offered  to  us  in  the  Gospel : — and  whereas,  accord- 
ing to  the  Confession  of  Faith,  chaj).  28,  sect.  1st,  and  the 
ansAver  to  the  IQoth  question  of  the  Larger  Catechism, 
tis  also  the  answer  to  the  Oitli  question  of  the  Shorter  Ca- 
techism, Baptism  doth  signify  and  seal  our  ingrafting  into 
Christ,  and  partaking  of  the  benefits  of  the  Covenant  of 
grace,  and  our  engagement  to  be  the  Lord's :— in  agree- 
ment with  which,  in  the  Directory  for  worship,  chap.  Tth, 
sect.  4th,  Baptism  is  expressly  declared  to  be  a  seal  of  the 
righteousness  of  Faith,  and  to  be  a  privilege  belonging 
to  the  seed  of  the  faithful  .-—and  wiiereas,  in  the  sam» 
Directory,  in  the  same  chapter  and  section.  Parents  are 
required,  not  only  to  instruct  their  chiFdren  in  the  princi- 
ples of  religion,  but  also  to  pray  with  and  for  them  ;  to 
set  them  an  example  of  piety  and  godliness,  and  endeavor 
by  all  the  means  of  God's  a})pointment  to  bring  them  up 
in  the  nurture  and  admouition  gf  the  Lord  : — an|d  where- 
as all  these  several  parts  of  our  public  standards  have  been, 
with  equal  solemnity,  received  by  the  church,  and  rest  on 
the  saine  authority  ;  and  are  of  course  to  be  considered 
as  explanatory  of  each  other,  and  as  equally  binding : — 

Therefore,  Resolved, 

That,  in  the  judgment  of  this  Synod,  when  Parents, 
applying  for  tljie  Baptism  of  ikak  children,  either  will 


43 

fioi  consent  to  nialce  a  rr«fcs,sion  of  fxith  iu  Christ,  and 
obedience  to  liim,  in  confomiity  ^\  ith  the  above  i^rinci- 
ples ;  or,  by  their  life  and  conv  -rriation  contradict  such  a 
profession,  the  Daptism  of  the  ChikliLii  of  such  Parents 
ought  to  be  refused. 

From  the  Presbytcrial  reports,  the  folios,  ing  ib  a  sum- 
mary of  the  state  of  each  Presbytery  : 


Mln. 

Coil. 

Lircn. 

Can. 

Cqiij. 

I.oii^t;  Island,             13 

1?. 

<j 

1 

lOOu 

Hui/t.on,                   21 

1 

0 

105;> 

New-lork,                11 

10 

1 

0 

1413 

Jersey,                     22 

25 

4 

•S 

35ri 

ISiew-iirunsw'ick,      21 

3G 
113 

7  . 
IG 

5 

9 

2497 

Total    90 

10133 

Adjourned  to  meet  in  the  Wall  Street  Church,  in  the 
city  of  New-York,  on  the  third  Tuesday  hi  October  next; 
at  3  o'clock,  r.  m. 

Concluded  with  prayer- 


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